Ups Mailbox vs Virtual Mailbox

[Blaine Gladden]

I created my LLC but realized that I should have used a different address. I am stuck between a ups mailbox or virtual mailbox. What are the pros and cons of each? Thank you

[Ed O.]

Depends on what you're after. 

Virtual mailrooms offer some neat features, they process your mail, can be set up far, far away, etc. I used mailboxforwarding.com and found them to be very reliable for the 6-8 years I've worked with them. Cost - about $15/month.. goes up per piece of mail after a set amount. 

UPS store boxes are great. They can take delivery for anything and keep it safe from the porch pirates. They also offer other services which you'll probably need at some time - notary, copies, etc. 

USPS (PO Box) Boxes work pretty good too. They won't take fed ex or ups shipments. If you have large packages shipped there, it's often a pain to get them - it involves getting in the long line and waiting for the usually miserable clerks to work through it. Most can be accessed 24 hours. 

Costs are all pretty similar... UPS is the most, virtual in the middle and PO boxes the cheapest. If you go with a PO box, I'd suggest getting a medium to large size one. I got a small one and wish I'd gotten a larger one when signing up. I get a lot more mail and a larger box at this point would mean changing po boxes. 

[Blaine Gladden]

@Ed O. Really helpful response! I appreciate the detail. As long as it isn’t ridiculous, I think I’ll be calling UPS for prices.